Just an observation, this thread is turning from a discussion amongst gun enthusiasts into a debate about the morality of private citizens to own and carry firearms. I don't think that was the original intent of the thread.

Just an observation, this thread is turning from a discussion amongst gun enthusiasts into a debate about the morality of private citizens to own and carry firearms. I don't think that was the original intent of the thread.

Droche...I'm going to have to differ on this as what is is construed as a gun enthusiast differs greatly between other countries.

The term "gun entusiast" can be interpreted in many ways, therefore any one with a view on guns can be viewed as such.

What I posted was a story on two "gun enthusiasts"(our dimwit Olympic swimmers, who have a "troublesome past), posing with guns and at the time it was regarded as harmless, but unfortunately, it was seen by NON enthusiasts as harmful and the actions which followed were, IMHO, unjust and I will say again..........I'm not a gun enthusiast, but I do believe in fair play.

These swimmers are now being punished by the AOC as they will be flown home immediately after their events, but what has eventuated since is mind boggling.

It smacks of hypocrisy.

Briefly.....The Australian Swimming Committee took the swim team out to a rifle range and let them blast away as part of a "bonding session" and now the Australian Olympic Committee have egg on their faces.

Stayed tuned, folks.

Discussions on guns will always lead to "different" opinions, but you just can't sweep the issue under the carpet and hope that it will "just go away".

Were this thread one of arguement, I''d have no hesitation and "LOCK" it, but up-to-date, it has been cordial, so I'm advocating that as long as it stays that way, it should continue.

Well, like I said, it was just an observation. It seems to me though that the subject is "Hobbies and Special Interests" and the thread is gun enthusiasts so, I would think the thread should be about those who are involved somehow and supportive of guns.

I too am not involved with guns; I do own a rifle which hasn't been fired since 1979, and from 1980 to 1984 I was in the US Coast Guard Reserve and I had to qualify annually with the M-16, 12 guage shotgun and .45 caliber pistol and that is the extent of my involvement with firearms. So I have no dog in this fight, but I do recall another thread being shut down a week or so ago when the discussion, while lively, was civil, and in another thread when the topic drifted slightly (IMO) off topic a warning was issued, so I do see some inconsistency.

I think the current topic of events has about run it's course, unless something else happens in the Aussie news. Contrary to what many in OZ want others to believe, guns are not illegal there, just hard to obtain and own legally.

My comment was about the media 'hype' and the obvious bias reporting. I understand the 2 individuals has had legal problems in the past, but what the media was doing is bad, uncalled for. ... It is ironic (per TM's post above), the Aussie Swimming Com has condoned and sponsored the other team members to attend a firing range, handle and fire weapons, but punished these 2 for having a picture taken holding legal weapons.

The same media tacits are used in the US by some Media and anti-gun people.

"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."

The rifle I own is a Golden State Arms .303. Does anyone know anything about this rifle and company? Never heard of Golden State Arms outside of this rifle. My understanding is they bought a bunch of surplus Enfield .303's from the British Government after WWI who sold them to pare down their war debt. The stock was cut back to about mid-barrel from its previous end of the barrel length. I don't know if any other modifications were made. The rifle I own misfires about 1 in every 20 shots. I bought it in 1978 for $80 when I was stationed in Idaho. I haven't used it in Massachusetts since I had a difficult time finding a place to fire it and now I would have to go back and take a course to renew my firearm ID card. I am keeping it at my cousin's house, he being a prison guard and having all the necessary permits.

They didn't manufacture guns, be re-manufactured surplus weapons. The sporterized weapons were refitted with after-market/civilian market stocks because the receivers were without a stock or the stock was broken. There plenty of surplus receivers & parts never assembled into completed weapons at the end of the war.

The Enfield 303 was a very good shooting rifle. It's bullet has a flat profile and made a good sniper & target rifle. ... I would have your rifle checked and the miss fire repaired. Most likely it is from a worn part(s) (firing pin??).

"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I really need to take the basic firearms course here in Mass. in order to renew my firearms ID card. The Lodge I affiliated with has a number of member who belong to the local rod and gun club and I am pretty sure I could join up with them.

I reviewed the Mass. firearm laws ... wow .. you have to have a FIC license before even buying a weapon, air rifle or ammo. ... Here in Georgia you don't and it is legal to carry a loaded weapon in your car, business, & home without a license. I've been licensed to carry since 1977. With a license, I don't have a waiting period and the store does not have to do a background check when buying a weapon.

"He who would assume to govern others must first learn to govern himself."

Yeah, its nuts here. 30 yrs ago all one had to do to get an FID card in Mass. was go to the police chief in town, he would run a background check and if it came back OK you got a card. I thought it was good for life. Then I found out I had to take a course so I was illegal. Thats why I gave the rifle to my cousin until I take the course.

The rifle I own is a Golden State Arms .303. Does anyone know anything about this rifle and company? Never heard of Golden State Arms outside of this rifle. My understanding is they bought a bunch of surplus Enfield .303's from the British Government after WWI who sold them to pare down their war debt. The stock was cut back to about mid-barrel from its previous end of the barrel length. I don't know if any other modifications were made. The rifle I own misfires about 1 in every 20 shots. I bought it in 1978 for $80 when I was stationed in Idaho. I haven't used it in Massachusetts since I had a difficult time finding a place to fire it and now I would have to go back and take a course to renew my firearm ID card. I am keeping it at my cousin's house, he being a prison guard and having all the necessary permits.

It misfires???????

That is a dangerous rifle, my friend and I'd get rid of it.We don't hear much about the Winchester rifle, which I have heard........"Won the West"Does anyone here own one or the Colt 45.?

I have a Winchester 1892 (built in 1896) in 38-40. That is a bad load because it is to big for small game but to small for big game. It is still fun to fire. I also have a colt 1911 built in 1945. That is my wife's favorite pistol.

My Grandfather who fought in World War 2 passed two of his guns down, hopefully at some point I will end up with one or both.

Those of you who are interested in personal stories of the WW2 time can find more information here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quentin_C._Aanenson or Google his name. He did his own doc called "A Fighter Pilots Story" and also played a role in Ken Burns "The War".

Greetings, Brethren! Nice to find more Masonic gun nuts; my Lodge has several but more is always better.

clamman wrote:

Go ahead and laugh, but I carry a NAA mini in 22mag.

Wouldn't dream of laughing, Brother! While my normal every day carry is a S&W 637, when my Lodge has degree work or a visitation from the District Deputy, I wear a kilt... and it's tough to fit the 637 in the sporran. But my NAA Mini fits just fine, thank you!

droche wrote:

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I really need to take the basic firearms course here in Mass. in order to renew my firearms ID card. The Lodge I affiliated with has a number of member who belong to the local rod and gun club and I am pretty sure I could join up with them.

Hello, Brother droche - My Lodge is also in the 23rd Masonic District. If you've previously had an LTC or FID, you do NOT need to take an NRA course again per the MGLs (Mass General Laws)' that's only for first time applicants. Some Chiefs of Police in this armpit like to make it as difficult as possible for their subjects citizens to own guns, though, and make up that requirement out of their own power-hungry, teeny little minds. (Yes, I'm thinking of the COP of Worcester specifically...).

If you still need the course, though, I'm running one next Sunday, 10/21 in Grafton. Email me at dwarven1 at gmail.com if you want more information. Or if you need the name of a good lawyer who can help you get your application viewed better by the local COP, I can help you with that, too - I know a few good ones here in MA who specialize in firearms law.

. I also gave up all my guns when I got married and had kids. I do not trust my kids to not figure out how to get into a gun safe! They have gotten into more locked places than I can count.

I have to admit to getting the bug again though.

I only recently got a safe, because of a 4-H rifle class, but before that, my two kids knew that if they wanted to go shoot, they only had to ask. I also showed them what would happen to their fingers if they ever touched any of my guns without my consent. (picture 1/2 in dowels snapping)

@ Clayman...I love my .45 Springfield XD. First pistol I've liked more than my old 1911. My only complaint is that the magazines for it are pretty expensive. I had to get the tactical model as the standard grip is to small in my hands.

Been carrying since I was 20 and now hold a lifetime carry license in Indiana.

I hunt deer with a .44 mag lever action rifle. Thing is wickedly accurate out to over 100 meters.

Looking to buy a new tactical rifle (AR10) and a long range rifle (.308 or .300 Win Mag) for training and competition.

Tis better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Guns int he right hands can be The Great Equalizer. Here's one of those millions of "what-ifs:"

What if, lets say, a petite 100lb woman (not sure the metric measurement) was assaulted by a much larger person of say double her size or wot-not. I doubt she could over power him or her, but keeping her distance, her cool, and pulling the weapon could keep her safe.

Again, this is one of those many "what-ifs," but unfortunately I have seen it work well and a couple times I've had to do it.

I respect the rule of law and the police, but they are not a personal protection or body guard force and it's my opinion that they get there to she scene of the crime after it's been committed unless they are doing traffic stops. Please don't take this to mean I have no respect for the police or law enforcement, but that's what they are: LAW Enforcement. They are not body guards and can't possibly perform the role. Informed, law abiding citizens with proper training are much safer in my opinion when they are confident enough to protect themselves when time is of the essence.

@ Clayman...I love my .45 Springfield XD. First pistol I've liked more than my old 1911. My only complaint is that the magazines for it are pretty expensive. I had to get the tactical model as the standard grip is to small in my hands.

Been carrying since I was 20 and now hold a lifetime carry license in Indiana.

I hunt deer with a .44 mag lever action rifle. Thing is wickedly accurate out to over 100 meters.

Looking to buy a new tactical rifle (AR10) and a long range rifle (.308 or .300 Win Mag) for training and competition.

I carry the long barrel, tactical version of the XD-54 as my CCW weapon. It is a great piece of machinery.

Greetings, Brethren! Nice to find more Masonic gun nuts; my Lodge has several but more is always better.

clamman wrote:

Go ahead and laugh, but I carry a NAA mini in 22mag.

Wouldn't dream of laughing, Brother! While my normal every day carry is a S&W 637, when my Lodge has degree work or a visitation from the District Deputy, I wear a kilt... and it's tough to fit the 637 in the sporran. But my NAA Mini fits just fine, thank you!

droche wrote:

Interesting. Thanks for the info. I really need to take the basic firearms course here in Mass. in order to renew my firearms ID card. The Lodge I affiliated with has a number of member who belong to the local rod and gun club and I am pretty sure I could join up with them.

Hello, Brother droche - My Lodge is also in the 23rd Masonic District. If you've previously had an LTC or FID, you do NOT need to take an NRA course again per the MGLs (Mass General Laws)' that's only for first time applicants. Some Chiefs of Police in this armpit like to make it as difficult as possible for their subjects citizens to own guns, though, and make up that requirement out of their own power-hungry, teeny little minds. (Yes, I'm thinking of the COP of Worcester specifically...).

If you still need the course, though, I'm running one next Sunday, 10/21 in Grafton. Email me at dwarven1 at gmail.com if you want more information. Or if you need the name of a good lawyer who can help you get your application viewed better by the local COP, I can help you with that, too - I know a few good ones here in MA who specialize in firearms law.

Sorry I missed this post. I took the course at the Worcester Police Department on Feb 20. My prison guard cousin told me it's easier to get a permit in Worcester if you take the course with them. Now I have to do all the paper work and get two letters of recommendation and my appointment is in September. The earliest one I could get is in July but since I am away July and August I made one for September. The permits here are issued by the police chief and from what I hear, this chief in Worcester is tough, but if I get a permit there are a couple of clubs I am looking into that are always looking for members. I'll get my .303 back and would also like to purchase a S&W revolver. On April 27 I am going to be on a shooting team for my lodge at an event sponsored by another lodge. Looking forward to it.

I have CCW carry permit Me and edwmax are both NRA Firearms Instructors... I have several I carry I mostly carry a Full size S&W M&P .40cal. I guess it is one of the benefits of being fat LOL.. I tried to post a pic of it in my Holster but could not get pic to attach.. A lot of carrying a pistol is most don't carry cause it gets uncomfortable to carry all day long.. I wear mine all day and it is very comfy the proper fit and build of the holster is what is important and the #1 reason a lot quit carrying so often or may quit all together.. I make holsters and have put a lot of research into making it as comfortable to wear all day as possible.. A gun does you no good in your car or home if you are confronted in the streets.

It amazes me how many African Americans support the same Democrats, and their policies, that sought and still seek to disarm African Americans. All these strict gun laws in NYC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Chicago largely disarm blacks. Their white counterparts continue to exercise their rights in the suburbs, but Democrats insist on disarming the black people. Democrats continue to be voted into power though, so maybe they deserve it.

I'm wanting to build a new long range system for competition. I'm really thinking .300 Win Mag or .338 Lapua for the chambering. I've always been schooled to use the Remington 700 as a start, but I'm finding it hard to find what I want in the Remington. What are some other good platforms with which I can start the build? I'm wanting a good basic bolt action rifle I can tear down and build up into what I want. The goal is a rifle that has a range of over 1000 meters with an extended stock (I'm 6'3") and an adjustable check rest.

From what I understand it is without inside of state borders. As the law states now it is illegal to carry a weapon (gun, knife, club, etc.) with an intent to use it unlawfully. There are no other laws or statures that prohibit the carrying of weapons for any reasons.

yes. I carry. typically, it's an m&p 45. however, own an m&p in 9, and one in 40 as well, a springer loaded operator in 45 (I don't like to carry that because it has a rail. finding a holster with a retention system for a railed 1911 seems superfluous). also own ar and ak platforms, and a Mossberg 590 special purpose.

Never really messed with the old WWI foreign military rifles much until my Son (a recently raised MM) bought a Mosin Nagant for 50 bucks the other day. To my surprise it is quite the tack driver. I may hafta find one for me now. Anyone know of the availability and cost of the ammo?

I carry and collect. I alternate depending on my clothing and activity what I am carrying. Usually it is my Springfield Armory 1911 full military spec, but also a .380 llama. I have inherited all my firearms since my grandfather owned a gun shop. I am the third generation in my family to own them and find researching the history of the guns pretty cool especially because they are all older then I am. In total my wife and I have 8 rifles/shotguns and 10 pistols.

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot create polls in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum